Shutdown Corner

The timeline of the Kansas City Chiefs tragedy

As more details come out about the tragedy in Kansas City, the timeline surrounding the murder of Kasandra Perkins and the suicide of Jovan Belcher is becoming more clear. There are still discrepancies in the story, but based on multiple reports, the tragedy appears to have unfolded in the following fashion.

2009May 8
The Kansas City Chiefs sign undrafted free agent Jovan Belcher out of the University of Maine. He would go on to play in 59 games for Kansas City, starting 44. Future profiles over the next three years will paint him as driven and a dedicated member of the Chiefs community.

2010
Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles introduces Belcher, to Kasandra Perkins, cousin of Charles' wife. In 2010, Perkins moves to Kansas City to be closer to Belcher.

2012Sept. 11
Zoey Belcher, daughter of Belcher and Perkins, is born.

Nov. 18
Belcher makes his last start for the Chiefs, in a game against the Bengals.

Nov. 25
Belcher plays his last game, against the Broncos.

Dec. 11:00 a.m.: At this point, stories diverge. In an account related by the Kansas City Star, Perkins arrives home having attended a Trey Songz concert without Belcher. She and Belcher argue. At some point, Belcher leaves the house. Police find Belcher sleeping in his Bentley, awaken him, and determine that he is able to drive his own car home.

2:50 a.m. However, another account contends that Belcher was not at home when Perkins arrived home at 1:00 a.m. Multiple sources indicate that Kansas City police respond to a call regarding a suspicious vehicle and find Belcher asleep in his Bentley. Belcher is cooperative with police, telling them he is waiting for his girlfriend. The New York Post identified that woman as Brittni Glass, and quote Glass as saying Belcher was with her that night. Belcher goes inside Glass' apartment for approximately four hours.

6:45 a.m. According to the Post's account, Belcher leaves Glass' apartment and drives back to the home he shared with Perkins.

7:00 a.m.: All accounts agree that at this point, Belcher arrives home. He and Perkins argue. The argument escalates, and Belcher kills Perkins. Belcher kisses his daughter goodbye and begins to drive to Arrowhead Stadium.

7:52 a.m.: Police are dispatched to Belcher's home following a call from Belcher's mother regarding a shooting.

8:01 a.m.: Police are dispatched to Arrowhead upon reports of a disturbance at the facility.

8:15 a.m.: In the parking lot of Arrowhead, Belcher meets with Chiefs general manager Scott Pioli, head coach Romeo Crennel, and linebackers coach Gary Gibbs. They plead with him to put the gun down. Belcher thanks them for giving him the opportunity to play in the NFL. "I got to go," Belcher reportedly says. "I can't be here." As the police approach, he crouches behind a car, places the gun to his head and pulls the trigger.

Approx. 10 a.m.: News begins to break of the shooting at the Chiefs' Arrowhead practice facility.

2:30 p.m.: The NFL tells the Panthers to travel to Kansas City as if the game will be played.

4:00 p.m.: The NFL and the Chiefs decide to go ahead with the game as scheduled.